Extended Holiday stay (6 months) question - France
Apr 23rd, 2009, 07:14 AM
#1
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Extended Holiday stay (6 months) question - France
Hello to the forum,
I am new to the forum and will retire in March of 2010. I lived in Paris for 4 years (2003 to 2007) and want to return for an extended holiday of about 6 months living in a paris rental flat.
Since I am staying longer than three months it looks like I need a Visa. I have been reading about the types of Visas required but am not sure what Visa I would apply for to just spending a holiday in France (no work). How do people here do extended holidays (longer than 3 months but less than 6) in France or Europe? Is there a special Visa for retired people to do this?
Thanks in advance if you have an answer or can point me the way to some reference.
Cheers,
RetiredTraveler
I am new to the forum and will retire in March of 2010. I lived in Paris for 4 years (2003 to 2007) and want to return for an extended holiday of about 6 months living in a paris rental flat.
Since I am staying longer than three months it looks like I need a Visa. I have been reading about the types of Visas required but am not sure what Visa I would apply for to just spending a holiday in France (no work). How do people here do extended holidays (longer than 3 months but less than 6) in France or Europe? Is there a special Visa for retired people to do this?
Thanks in advance if you have an answer or can point me the way to some reference.
Cheers,
RetiredTraveler
Apr 23rd, 2009, 08:01 AM
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Without knowing your citizenship and where you live, there is little to say except that for a Visa you'll need to contact the nearest French Consulate and apply. Generally, you must show supporting documentation that you have medical insurance and a financial means of self support among other things. Of those with whom I have spoken about the process, it requires persistence and several visits in person and all paperwork must be completed before your departure.
For more information:
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/venir/visas/index.html
For more information:
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/venir/visas/index.html
Apr 23rd, 2009, 09:06 AM
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Sorry, I can't believe I forgot to supply that information.
I am an American living in the US (Texs).
It looks like it is complicated if I wanted to spend 4 or 5 months vacation in Paris. I was hoping there was an easy solution to this since I am not a student nor do I want to work. I would have no problem providing the paperwork if I need too.
If I come and go on multiple trips throughout Europe during that 5 months while keeping my apartment in France during that time how do they track if you have been there 3 months or 4 months accumulated time?
Regards,
RetiredTraveler
I am an American living in the US (Texs).
It looks like it is complicated if I wanted to spend 4 or 5 months vacation in Paris. I was hoping there was an easy solution to this since I am not a student nor do I want to work. I would have no problem providing the paperwork if I need too.
If I come and go on multiple trips throughout Europe during that 5 months while keeping my apartment in France during that time how do they track if you have been there 3 months or 4 months accumulated time?
Regards,
RetiredTraveler
Apr 23rd, 2009, 09:12 AM
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The answer is that they MIGHT not keep track, but if it is noted you could then have some issues.
I would email the French consulate nearest you, roughly outlining your plans. They will respond by email.
The last time I was in France and came in through Limoges, was pulled aside and my passport was checked online by Immigration.
You should keep it on the up and up and it probably won't be that onerous to comply.
I would email the French consulate nearest you, roughly outlining your plans. They will respond by email.
The last time I was in France and came in through Limoges, was pulled aside and my passport was checked online by Immigration.
You should keep it on the up and up and it probably won't be that onerous to comply.
Apr 23rd, 2009, 10:00 AM
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As you can imagine, retirees often do this, and provided you can prove you have medical insurance other than Medicare, plus sufficient means to support yourself, you shouldn't encounter a lot of problems if you don't mind paperwork. But you do need to contact the French government as soon as possible, because the Visa you will be issued must be issued in France, so there is back-and-forth, and it is time consuming.
Apr 23rd, 2009, 10:37 AM
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What's so complicated about it, so you have to apply and wait a few weeks, and supply some documentation. Surely you don't expect France to let anyone in for lengthy periods without a visa just because they claim they aren't working? Every illegal alien in the world would go there if it were that easy.
Apr 23rd, 2009, 10:43 AM
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You need type D visa, in the Schengen common format (i.e. a sticker in your passport) but processed and issued by France. Expect to take at least 1-2 months for the application process, where you need to supply - originals and copies - of a ream of documents, such as bank statement, evidence of regular income (pension?), evidence of suitable accommodation, medical coverage valid in France, sometimes medical certificate showing you are free from certain infectious diseases (such as TB) and drug addiction and police clearance (from US). And as it has been mentioned, all applications are referred to the Interior Ministry in Paris for approval, adding to the timescale required.
Apr 24th, 2009, 11:58 PM
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I think that I will just spread out my travel and leave it to 3 months in France. I undestand that each country has different rules. England allows 6 months holiday without a vsa and I had assumed there would be a simiar standards. Thanks for everyone's assistance.
Apr 25th, 2009, 12:38 AM
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No each country does not have different rules.
Read this and you may understand how travelling in Europe works.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement
You will only be able to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days. They will scan your details upon arrival so they do know when you have arrived. So no hoping in and out of say The Schengen area and the UK. It seemly does not work.
Read this and you may understand how travelling in Europe works.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement
You will only be able to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days. They will scan your details upon arrival so they do know when you have arrived. So no hoping in and out of say The Schengen area and the UK. It seemly does not work.
Apr 25th, 2009, 02:25 AM
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Travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area, you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of the visa. Internal border controls are limited with no or few stops and checks.
The name "Schengen" originates from a small town in Luxembourg where in March 1995, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there are 22 Schengen countries, all in Europe.
Schengen countries / territories
On the 21st December 2008, the Schengen zone was expanded to inlude nine new countries: Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia. Schengen States are a group of European countries which have signed an agreement to allow free circulation of people within the territory of the member countries. Please note that the UK and Ireland are not a part of the Schengen agreement.
Where to apply for Schengen visa:
A Schengen Visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen Space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.
When to apply for Schengen visa:
If you require a Schengen Visa you need to apply before travelling.
Do I have to have travel insurance:
Travel insurance including medical cover and repatriation is required when you apply for your Schengen visa (actual repatriation clause needs to be presented to the Consulate) . It must cover the duration of the requested visa - annual insurance may be required if you are requesting a multi-entry visa.
The name "Schengen" originates from a small town in Luxembourg where in March 1995, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there are 22 Schengen countries, all in Europe.
Schengen countries / territories
On the 21st December 2008, the Schengen zone was expanded to inlude nine new countries: Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia. Schengen States are a group of European countries which have signed an agreement to allow free circulation of people within the territory of the member countries. Please note that the UK and Ireland are not a part of the Schengen agreement.
Where to apply for Schengen visa:
A Schengen Visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen Space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.
When to apply for Schengen visa:
If you require a Schengen Visa you need to apply before travelling.
Do I have to have travel insurance:
Travel insurance including medical cover and repatriation is required when you apply for your Schengen visa (actual repatriation clause needs to be presented to the Consulate) . It must cover the duration of the requested visa - annual insurance may be required if you are requesting a multi-entry visa.
Apr 25th, 2009, 02:31 AM
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http://www.consulfrance-houston.org/...hp?article1301
1 - INFORMATION Retour à la table des matières
Read general information before applying.
The applicant should apply for the visa and should obtain it in his/her country of residence before arriving in France. Personal appearance to the visa appointment is compulsory, including for the children.
You have to apply with the French Consulate in Houston, only if you reside in one of the following states : Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
If you do not reside in one of those states, you have to apply with another French Consulate, depending on where you live in the United states. To know where to apply, click here.
The procedure can take up to 2 months.
You apply for this visa if you intend to settle in France (for example as a retiree). If granted, this visa will allow you to go to a French prefecture in France and ask for a « carte de séjour » (residency card). The consulate issues a visa valid for 3 months, 1 entry. This is a delay to enter France and apply for the residency card at the Préfecture of your residence (the passport, the visa, the contract, and a birth certificate - original + translation- will be required). No residency card is issued to children under 16 years old.
IN ORDER TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICES, IT IS MANDATORY TO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON LINE TO GET A VISA. NO APPOINTMENT WILL BE GIVEN BY PHONE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
2- REQUIREMENTS. Retour à la table des matières
All applicants must apply with the originals of the documents + 2 COPIES of each document.
- Passport valid for a period of six months from the date of visa + 2 copies of the main pages. Make sure there is a double blank page in the passport for the visa stamp.
- 2 long stay application forms signed and legibly filled out. Please print in black.
click here for english translation
- 2 recent passport size photographs. Do not glue to the forms.
- A proof of resident status in the US ( e.g. , visa, I-94, IAP66, I-20, resident card ) if you are not a US citizen + ONE COPY
- Financial guarantee such as :
- Letter from your bank stating that you have sufficient means of support to live in France;
- Justification of retirement pensions;
- A notarized declaration of your sponsor stating that he/she will be responsible for all your expenses and a proof of his/her assets.
- A note, dated and signed by the applicant, stating that he/she does not intend to have in France a paid professional activity which requires a work permit.
- Proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France. Letter from the insurance company only : the card is not sufficient.
- A non criminal record certificate to be obtained at the police’s office of the city of residence.
- Deed of your house/appartment in France.
- Processing fees: by credit card (Visa, Mastercard) cash or money-order only. Personal checks or American Express are not accepted.
IN ORDER TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICES, IT IS MANDATORY TO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON LINE
REMARKS : The Consular Administration has full authority to appreciate and request more documents than those submitted by the applicant. The later is hereby informed that submitting the aforementioned documents does not ensure automatic issuance of the visa.
1 - INFORMATION Retour à la table des matières
Read general information before applying.
The applicant should apply for the visa and should obtain it in his/her country of residence before arriving in France. Personal appearance to the visa appointment is compulsory, including for the children.
You have to apply with the French Consulate in Houston, only if you reside in one of the following states : Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
If you do not reside in one of those states, you have to apply with another French Consulate, depending on where you live in the United states. To know where to apply, click here.
The procedure can take up to 2 months.
You apply for this visa if you intend to settle in France (for example as a retiree). If granted, this visa will allow you to go to a French prefecture in France and ask for a « carte de séjour » (residency card). The consulate issues a visa valid for 3 months, 1 entry. This is a delay to enter France and apply for the residency card at the Préfecture of your residence (the passport, the visa, the contract, and a birth certificate - original + translation- will be required). No residency card is issued to children under 16 years old.
IN ORDER TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICES, IT IS MANDATORY TO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON LINE TO GET A VISA. NO APPOINTMENT WILL BE GIVEN BY PHONE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
2- REQUIREMENTS. Retour à la table des matières
All applicants must apply with the originals of the documents + 2 COPIES of each document.
- Passport valid for a period of six months from the date of visa + 2 copies of the main pages. Make sure there is a double blank page in the passport for the visa stamp.
- 2 long stay application forms signed and legibly filled out. Please print in black.
click here for english translation
- 2 recent passport size photographs. Do not glue to the forms.
- A proof of resident status in the US ( e.g. , visa, I-94, IAP66, I-20, resident card ) if you are not a US citizen + ONE COPY
- Financial guarantee such as :
- Letter from your bank stating that you have sufficient means of support to live in France;
- Justification of retirement pensions;
- A notarized declaration of your sponsor stating that he/she will be responsible for all your expenses and a proof of his/her assets.
- A note, dated and signed by the applicant, stating that he/she does not intend to have in France a paid professional activity which requires a work permit.
- Proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France. Letter from the insurance company only : the card is not sufficient.
- A non criminal record certificate to be obtained at the police’s office of the city of residence.
- Deed of your house/appartment in France.
- Processing fees: by credit card (Visa, Mastercard) cash or money-order only. Personal checks or American Express are not accepted.
IN ORDER TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICES, IT IS MANDATORY TO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON LINE
REMARKS : The Consular Administration has full authority to appreciate and request more documents than those submitted by the applicant. The later is hereby informed that submitting the aforementioned documents does not ensure automatic issuance of the visa.
Apr 25th, 2009, 02:43 AM
#12
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What you can do is to stay 3 months in France (no visa needed) and then stay 3 months in UK (or Ireland, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, or anywhere else outside of Schengen area), and then return to Frace , if you like, for further 3 months. This way you don't need any visa and it's completely legal. You just have to have proof of funds, return or onward travel ticket and medical coverage etc to show to border officials when asked.
As I've already said, and as nancicita has quoted in full, the procedure for getting a long-term (type D) visa is complicated, time consuming and a real hassle, with a personal interview and all applications referred to Paris for approval.
As I've already said, and as nancicita has quoted in full, the procedure for getting a long-term (type D) visa is complicated, time consuming and a real hassle, with a personal interview and all applications referred to Paris for approval.
Apr 25th, 2009, 04:58 AM
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Alec, can you confirm what you are saying, please because as I understand it you have only 90 days inside the Schengen area in any 180 days. If that is so then your proposal will not be viable.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schenge...d_other_places
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schenge...d_other_places
Apr 25th, 2009, 01:16 PM
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Of course it works.
Day 1 of 90 days (3 months) in Schengen is the start of the 180-day time span. Stay 90 days in Schengen, then 90 days out of Schengen (such as UK, Ireland etc). So you stay 90-in-180 days within Schengen, which is alloed.
Then the clock is reset.
Start further 90 days in Schengen within the next 180-day time span, then 90 days out. Again you remain 90 in 180 days in Schengen, which is legal.
So it carries on.
Day 1 of 90 days (3 months) in Schengen is the start of the 180-day time span. Stay 90 days in Schengen, then 90 days out of Schengen (such as UK, Ireland etc). So you stay 90-in-180 days within Schengen, which is alloed.
Then the clock is reset.
Start further 90 days in Schengen within the next 180-day time span, then 90 days out. Again you remain 90 in 180 days in Schengen, which is legal.
So it carries on.
Apr 26th, 2009, 06:28 AM
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RetiredTraveler-thanks for starting this thread. We have been toying with the idea of staying for a year in France when (if we can) we retire.
There are two clauses on the Visa application summary I have questions about:
"A notarized declaration of your sponsor stating that he/she will be responsible for all your expenses and a proof of his/her assets" Do you need a sponsor if you are providing proof of the ability to support yourself?
"Deed of your house/appartment in France" Is this going to be a catch 22? Can you rent a house/apartment for a year or 6 months without the Visa?
There are two clauses on the Visa application summary I have questions about:
"A notarized declaration of your sponsor stating that he/she will be responsible for all your expenses and a proof of his/her assets" Do you need a sponsor if you are providing proof of the ability to support yourself?
"Deed of your house/appartment in France" Is this going to be a catch 22? Can you rent a house/apartment for a year or 6 months without the Visa?
Apr 26th, 2009, 10:38 AM
#17
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AGM - If you are going to retire to France, you will have to deal with the Visa issue for taxes and residency purposes. I lived in Paris for 4 years and had an agency keep me current including my Visa and Carte Sejour. They walked me thought the process each time I needed it. They physically met me at the office I needed to be or met me at the head of the line and escorted me through quickly through some pre-arrangement. They translated all the documents I needed into French and assisted when I needed to answer questions. The company paid for all of this and what ever price they paid it was well worth it. Dealing with the French Beuracracy can be formidable but you can get through it if you understand the process.
You will need to apply for the proper Visa before you leave and aquire and present all documents requested.
A word on driving. If you are in France for longer than a year you will need a French driving license. This too is an ordeal and you would need to take a driving course (costly) before getting your license. I avoided this all in advance because I had an Illinois driving license. There are selected states in the US (not all) that have an agreement with France to exchange licenses. You give up your US license and get in an exchange a French Driving license which, strangly, is good for your entire lifetime. It is one of the few documents in France where this is the case. Just get another US licence when you go back.
I started this thread because I am learning the things I need for a non-working Visa to accomodate an extended holiday over the next few years. I wanted the easiest way possible and am trying to avoid the beuracracy if at all possible. In addition, I am looking to buy an apartment in France, someplace I can call my own and a place to park my Moto. I will pay cash for the apartment so the mortgage process is not an issue. Owning the property is not the issue as you always come back to having the proper Visa to stay in France for what ever duration over 3 months you select.
Buying property in France is completly different from the US and I will leave that to you to search for solutions. You will need someone who speaks French to assist you and there are companies in France that can assist the process. Ownership of property is complex and you need to insure that you will become the full owner before you sign anything.
If you want to search and see what the current prices are for what you are looking for use the Century 21 or Orpi URL. Just make your selections and see what pops up.
http://en.century21.fr/
http://www.orpi.com/acheter/home.jsp
You will need to apply for the proper Visa before you leave and aquire and present all documents requested.
A word on driving. If you are in France for longer than a year you will need a French driving license. This too is an ordeal and you would need to take a driving course (costly) before getting your license. I avoided this all in advance because I had an Illinois driving license. There are selected states in the US (not all) that have an agreement with France to exchange licenses. You give up your US license and get in an exchange a French Driving license which, strangly, is good for your entire lifetime. It is one of the few documents in France where this is the case. Just get another US licence when you go back.
I started this thread because I am learning the things I need for a non-working Visa to accomodate an extended holiday over the next few years. I wanted the easiest way possible and am trying to avoid the beuracracy if at all possible. In addition, I am looking to buy an apartment in France, someplace I can call my own and a place to park my Moto. I will pay cash for the apartment so the mortgage process is not an issue. Owning the property is not the issue as you always come back to having the proper Visa to stay in France for what ever duration over 3 months you select.
Buying property in France is completly different from the US and I will leave that to you to search for solutions. You will need someone who speaks French to assist you and there are companies in France that can assist the process. Ownership of property is complex and you need to insure that you will become the full owner before you sign anything.
If you want to search and see what the current prices are for what you are looking for use the Century 21 or Orpi URL. Just make your selections and see what pops up.
http://en.century21.fr/
http://www.orpi.com/acheter/home.jsp
Oct 26th, 2009, 02:23 PM
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Hi,
I am planning to travel through Europe via bicycle. I'd like to take roughly 6 months riding in and out of several countries. According to the Schengen Act, I only have 3 months in Europe Schengen countries without a visa, correct? This is true even if I am crossing several borders a month? Also, does this change if I stop in Switzerland? If so, how long would I have to be in Switzerland? Is there any other way around the 3 month limit?
Thanks.
I am planning to travel through Europe via bicycle. I'd like to take roughly 6 months riding in and out of several countries. According to the Schengen Act, I only have 3 months in Europe Schengen countries without a visa, correct? This is true even if I am crossing several borders a month? Also, does this change if I stop in Switzerland? If so, how long would I have to be in Switzerland? Is there any other way around the 3 month limit?
Thanks.
Oct 26th, 2009, 02:36 PM
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Switzerland is also a Schengen country now.
You have 90 days in 180 days the Schengen zone, regardless of how many countries you visit. You would have to combine your time with visiting say the UK and Ireland plus some of the central/eastern European non Schengen lands.
You have 90 days in 180 days the Schengen zone, regardless of how many countries you visit. You would have to combine your time with visiting say the UK and Ireland plus some of the central/eastern European non Schengen lands.
Oct 26th, 2009, 02:43 PM
#20
"Is there any other way around the 3 month limit?" Not really -
As hetismij says, Switzerland won't help since it is now in Schengen. You are limited to 90 days total (in 180 days) no matter how many borders you cross.
So you need to spend half of your time in the UK and other non-Schengen countries.
As hetismij says, Switzerland won't help since it is now in Schengen. You are limited to 90 days total (in 180 days) no matter how many borders you cross.
So you need to spend half of your time in the UK and other non-Schengen countries.
